Advantages of Renting

Just like owning a house, renting has its advantages, too. For example, if you buy your dream house by leasing, you get a roof over your head without the burden of a mortgage, maintenance and other home ownership responsibilities.

Through renting, you get the opportunity to check out the locality or the neighborhood before funding a large amount of money for a house. You also get enough time to decide whether the home, the neighborhood, and the place suit you or not. Would you move out of your house you bought just because of bad neighbors? That’s a tougher decision.

Leasing to own a house means less labor and low maintenance costs. From mowing the lawn, trimming the bushes to painting and roofing, they are duties of the homeowner, rather than yours. It’s good to know that after working all week, doing laundry, and running errands, you still have enough time to take a rest.

There is financial stability in leasing a house. The cost of it remains the same at the end of the rent period. This may give you the chance to budget and save money for future use. Career stability is also an advantage; it allows you to be responsive when job opportunities arise elsewhere.

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 Whether you’re renting or buying a house, make sure your living situation is favorable to the lifestyle you want. If you’re looking for good real estate agents that offer houses for lettings, Finlay Brewer has the best.

Things to Consider in Getting a New House

Buying a new house can be exciting, but it can be overwhelming, too. There are so many factors to consider before you can finally choose the house you will be calling home soon. Making a plan would be a great help to find a house that perfect fits you and your family.

 Let’s put first things first. You have to know your needs and examine your lifestyle. Do you feel energized by the urban cityscapes? Are you longing for rural sceneries? It’s essential to consider the restrictions of the places and the benefits it has to offer. Weighing the costs of moving into a new part of the town or a new city is very important too.

You have to consider the cost of living. Will you be able to afford the expenses that come with owning a new home in a different location? Transportation, school tuition, property taxes, repairs, and daily living expenses can all add up and make it more expensive. Last important thing to remember is to choose between what’s better: to build or to buy. A custom-built home can be really expensive, but are you up for renovating an old house which is often expensive but less satisfying? 

There are a lot of real estate agents offering you good deals but with Finlay Brewer, it is different. Offering wide real estate selections, they are the leading independent local estate agent in Brook Green, Brackenbury Village, Shepherds Bush, and Acton.

Estate Agents in Brook Green—Valuable Allies for Buy-to-Let Investors

Looking to invest in the rental real estate market? For prospective landlords these days, London is the place to be. England’s major financial district was recently named the world’s most desirable city for workers to relocate to, effectively making the area a feasible buy-to-let market. Working with leading Brook Green estate agents like Finlay Brewer ensures you get the most out of your investment. Their expansive knowledge of the London real estate market, along with their in-depth understanding of both sales and lettings, will prove valuable to your endeavours.
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What’s a Good Estate Agent?

Prior to buying your ideal home, you first have to find an ideal estate agent to help you out. You can’t just call anyone without knowing if the person is qualified for the job. The ideal estate agent is someone who acts like a probe, like a compass guiding you to your main purpose which is to purchase an ideal home for you and your family. 

 

Characteristics of a Good Estate Agent

First of all, your agent should have great knowledge about the local area where the property is located. He should have ample experience in selling homes within that area. Great agents also should have good attention to detail. They try to sell you a home that fits all your needs and demands.

Not all homes are furnished with everything that you wish for and this is where the need for the estate agent to have a wide network comes in. He should be connected to companies that offer services that are needed to make the home perfect for your lifestyle.

Look for an estate agent who is hardworking and aggressive yet polite. He should be tireless in looking for alternatives so you can choose well because he understands that it is a huge investment. Lastly, he should be honest. Everything about the home should be disclosed including its history, price ranges, timing, and repairs to be made.

Finding a great estate agent is vital so you can be lead to your dream home. Finlay Brewer’s estate agents offers individualized services to bring the right properties to the right people. You can trust that we can offer you the best results with courtesy and efficiency so that you can finally find somewhere to call your home sweet home.

Flats to Rent in Acton: Property Managers Help Keep Rates Competitive

Central London’s prime rental market continues to appreciate, according to recent indicators. In an interview with Property Wire, real estate consultancy firm Knight Frank confirms that rental values in the city went up by 0.5 percent this October and are now at par with 2012 figures. In addition, the number of prospective tenants for the third quarter of 2014 also increased significantly compared to last year. These numbers are offset by mortgage lenders’ decision to cut their rates, which has resulted in a much lower demand for rental properties.
https://finlaybrewerltd.wordpress.com/2014/11/20/flats-to-rent-in-acton-property-managers-help-keep-rates-competitive/

Flats to Rent in Hammersmith Perfect for Local and Foreign Students

Whether in Central London or in any of the surrounding boroughs, students need safe and conveniently located homes that allow them to pursue a balanced academic and social life. Students who would rather live away from the bustle of Central London can look for high-end flats to rent in Hammersmith, which is well connected with underground stations, overground stations and the M4 motorway close by. Hammersmith boasts a vibrant theatre, culinary, and nightlife scene, and offers plenty of open space and a riverside as well as exquisite architecture.
https://finlaybrewerltd.wordpress.com/2014/11/19/flats-to-rent-in-hammersmith-perfect-for-local-and-foreign-students/

Experienced Shepherd’s Bush Estate Agents Share Tips to Attract Buyers

In a seller’s market, competition for buyers can be fierce. Needless to say, this can pose a bit of a problem if you’ve recently decided to sell your home. Luckily, there are many measures you can take to catch the eye of more than a handful of buyers and improve the chances of selling your home before others in your neighbourhood do. More and more buyers are using the Internet to find houses, a fact that hasn’t escaped the eyes of successful Shepherd’s Bush estate agents, like the professionals from Finlay Brewer. Your estate agent will create an online profile for your home to take advantage of this trend. In such cases they will, take fantastic pictures of your home so help them by tidying up and clearing surfaces before the photographer arrives.
https://finlaybrewerltd.wordpress.com/2014/11/18/experienced-shepherds-bush-estate-agents-share-tips-to-attract-buyers/

Turn Vacancies into Occupancies More Quickly

Real estate is a tough business. The competition is high, especially if your properties are located in urban areas. As an ordinary landlord, property management definitely means heavy work. Today’s world calls for dynamic marketing to suit various well-defined target markets, and knowing and using them is a must. You lose some pounds for each day that your properties are vacant. Here are effective suggestions that will get you renters as fast as you possibly can.

Combine traditional and current marketing strategies.

Your properties are not limited to one target market. Learn to be flexible. Use traditional marketing techniques such as flyers, signboards, and other printed materials. Let the people know that your property is for sale or for rent by placing a signboard outside and along nearby well-traveled routes. On the other hand, you should work on boosting your online presence. Get into the different social networks, and set up an interactive and mobile-responsive website. These two marketing techniques will surely get you far in the business.

 

Establish strong networks.

Learn how to expand your horizons. Look for referrals from your existing clients and join organizations or groups where you can find new connections. This is where you can test the strength of your rapport and your ability to close deals using only your power of persuasion.

Hold an open house.

For other clients, to see is to believe. Tidy up the house, make sure everything is working well, and glam it up a little. Contact realtors and potential home buyers. An open house is perhaps the best way to promote your property. The reactions and the actions are quicker than those for other marketing strategies.

If property management is a struggle for you, you can have someone else do the tasks. Juggling your personal life while having a very stable career is tough. Hiring Finlay Brewer will help conert your vacancies into occupancies faster. And undoubtedly, it can even increase your return of investment more rapidly.

Four Ways to Attract Generation Y Renters

Property management is a dynamic field. A clever property manager knows that in order to close deals, one has to know the right approach to use in selected target markets. Potential customers should be pleased and this entails leaning to pattern your marketing techniques to their specific demographics. The Generation Y is one of the hottest markets today. Though they are increasing in number, they are becoming hard to acquire because of their current preferences. Property managers often lose prospects in this generation. One potential reason is that they are being pushed for home ownership, but they actually prefer renting. How do you close deals in this hot market? 

 

Come up with a mobile responsive website design.

A vast majority of the Generation Y use their smartphones for almost all transactions and that includes loft hunting. This just means that it’s compulsory to have a mobile-optimized website. It’s not enough that they see pictures of available properties online. Make it attractive and informative. An interactive website makes your online presence strong and it’s what makes it visible to the Generation Y renters. 

Communicate through e-mail and SMS

Don’t be limited to meet-ups and calls. The clients will be delighted that you offer modern means of communication. Be a savvy property manager. Tell them you can accept scans, photocopies, or photographs of their IDs and other requirements (at least during the initial stages of your negotiation process). They’d love the fact that you value their time.

 

Accept digital transactions

Do you fancy checks, mail payments, and actual bank deposits? The Generation Y don’t. Add credit card payments, money wires, and other web-based options for payments. Look at it as an advantage on your part too. It’s more convenient. 

Be available 24/7

Offer flexibility in communicating with your clients. You’re likely to lose them when you strictly interact with them only during office hours. For existing tenants, this is particularly important. Have an on-call plumber, for instance. Residents will surely be pleased with that. For a traditional property manager, these may all sound like odd and tough work, but after getting a grip on everything, you’ll realize that it will also be more convenient for you. However, if you are a landlord who also seeks convenience, you can hire someone to do all the property management tasks on your behalf. Finlay Brewer will do it for you. Take the chance to acquire share in a very good market.

Your Own Home Sweet Home

Nothing can match the peace and comfort that a home brings. Although living in a flat comes with lots of perks, it is more ideal to buy a home especially if you are living with your family or if you are newlyweds who want to start your own brood. It is simply better in every sense. Let’s go through a rundown of the advantages of living in an individual house.

Why should you live in an individual house?

You get more freedom. Flats and apartments often don’t allow alterations in the interiors. When you decide to buy your own house, you get to choose and apply your own design preferences. You also get to have a garden where you can build on your interests. This also means you are free to have as many pets as you like.

You are free from unnecessary noise from the next door tenants. Not all flats are constructed with sound-proof walls.This means that being disturbed from your sleep is not far from possible if your neighbors like to host parties.

An independent house delivers privacy. You never know if the tenants next door eavesdrop on you and your husband’s petty arguments. Flats compromise the privacy that we all crave for when we are at home.

It provides more space for a growing family. Build another floor or have another room constructed for your children. This wouldn’t matter if you own a house. The lot is yours and there will be no additional rent to pay.

Many people choose to live in flats because they believe that individual houses are not secure enough. But this is only because they live in unfavorable areas that are not suitable for families. Finlay Brewer can provide you a wide list of ideal homes in safer areas such as in Hammersmith or in Acton.

Our estate agents are more than willing to help you find the perfect home you’ve been looking for. Finlay Brewer will help you live in your own home sweet home.

Finding a Place in London: Get Reliable Estate Agents in Brook Green

There are many estate agencies that specialise in finding and selling certain kinds of houses or properties to choose from. Homeowners and buyers would have to do their homework and find out more about these firms. In the same way that home and property owners have to exercise caution before selling their respective properties, they too should learn how to distinguish assessments made by estate agents regarding the value of their properties. Finding reliable estate agents in Brook Green then wouldn’t have to be difficult. Finding a property and having to maintain it at the same time can sometimes be problematic. There are also estate agencies that can also act as property managers for homeowners with two or more properties, landlords or tenants (if the property is to be rented out). Dealing with tenants, collecting rent and doing renovations, and other concerns are all tasks you wouldn’t have to do on your own.
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Benefits of Living in a Flat

Moving out is an important decision in a person’s life. It signals a lot of changes. It is a transition from living a dependent life to a life of utmost freedom. After you’ve made up your mind that you’re going to live on your own, the next thing to worry about is whether you will reside in a house or a flat. Here in London, one of the most ideal places to start living an independent life is in the Westfield area. Let’s go through some of the advantages that come with residing in a flat in Westfield, London.

The Perks:

Flats are secure. You can go on a long vacation without worrying about your valuables. While you are away, your flat will still be in the same condition you left it.

It has a power and water backup. There are lesser problems of power and water interruptions. You are free from these hassles. Dinner plans don’t get cancelled just because you can’t bake in the oven.

It has ample parking spaces. Parking slots are well-defined. There’s no need of rushing to get home just because you don’t have a place to park your car.

Getting help is easier. Unlike being in a house, calling an electrician or plumber is easier when you live in a flat. Oftentimes, they are on call.

Ideal for adults living alone. Living alone can be lonely at times. If you stay in a flat, you get to have next door neighbors. Having no relatives who live nearby will not be a problem. You can always get acquainted from people in the other units.

The catch is that not all flats are well-managed. You have to find a good estate agent to help you look for the ideal flats. Finlay Brewer, for one, can provide you with a list of the perfect flat that caters to your needs. Call our estate agent for flats in Hammersmith, Acton, or Shepherds Bush, and get ready to live a life of independence and convenience.

Brook Green Estate Agents will Help You Make your Investment Pay off

There’s just no letting up on the rising cost of living everywhere you go. In the United Kingdom and Scotland, the cost of renting a home has risen drastically over the last two months. A recent article in PropertyWire.com announced the news that has professional Brook Green estate agents glued to industry updates, ready to report further developments to their clients. The average advertised rent in Great Britain increased by 6.56% in July 2014 compared to the same time last year, reaching £1,029 per month, the latest index shows. National rents surpassed the £1,000 per month mark in June 2014, and since then have continued to climb steadily, rising an average of £11 per month over the past four weeks…
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Secure a Property to Rent in Acton: Proving You Will Be a Good Tenant

One neighbourhood for London renters to consider is Acton, and fortunately, it’s easy to find reliable estate agents like those from Finlay Brewer Limited to show them around. Acton is a large area brimming with all the essentials (parks, museums, restaurants, supermarkets, malls, shops, and pubs), as well as easy access to transportation. However, first-timers can expect to encounter lots of folks hoping to secure a property to rent in Acton too, so the former have to put their best foot forward. That in mind, how can they convince landlords to say yes to them in spite of more experienced aspiring renters?
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Dealing with Unruly Neighbors

We are all entitled to live in a peaceful neighborhood. Unfortunately, some of you may live beside neighbors who have disruptive behaviors. Imagine rushing to go home after a long day at work only to find out that your neighbor is having a wet and wild party at his flat. Your comfort and rest hours are compromised. When it happens, you have all the reason to knock at his door and complain. No one wants to get things out of hand. There are effective ways on how to deal with this kind of neighbors.

 

What are disruptive behaviors?

When neighbors simply annoy you just because they have different preferences thank you, it does not qualify to be a disruptive behavior. You also can’t complain when their noise is associated with something that is usual in daily life such as a baby’s noise. Disruptive behaviors include excessive noise, intimidation, offensive behavior, and unusual smells, frequent domestic arguments that can be heard through your walls, theft, vandalism, and verbal or physical abuse between neighbors or visitors.

What actions should you take?

Before marching down the hallway and point fingers at your neighbor, make sure you review your legal rights and responsibilities and your points are rational and reasonable. If possible, keep a list of the dates of the disruptive events and all the other details such as its description and how it affected you. Call or visit your landlord to inform him about your issues and be ready for arguments or compromise.

A home is a place for comfort and rest. There’s no other place to go if you also get stressed when you’re at home. If problems persist, maybe you should consider looking for another place to rent. Find a good estate agent that will offer you flats or houses in a peaceful and quite neighborhood.

What’s a Good Tenant?

As tenants, valued customers, we always tend to defend our rights, but is it equally important that we also respect our landlords and our neighbors. It is also very important to form a good relationship with them. Being in good terms with your neighbors means lesser tension in common areas like the lift or the lobby while a good relationship with your landlord means having an upper hand in rental processes like renewing leases, renegotiating terms, and talking about repairs. These tips will help you get the perks from your landlords and neighbors.

 

Read and follow the Lease.

Understand your lease before you sign it. Know the rules that you have to follow. Ask your landlord if you have questions, and negotiate if there are things that you would like to be changed. Set things clear with your landlord and make sure everything is put into writing. Ask for a copy so that both parties are well-aware of the rules and the rights agreed upon. And of course, you have to make sure you don’t break the lease to avoid getting in trouble with your landlord. 

 

Treat your rental like your own

There are portions of the rental that are subject to wear and tear, but major damages will risk your deposit. Keep the property clean and in good condition to avoid frequent repairs. Maintaining the property well will make your landlord trust you more.

Are you ready to be a good tenant? If you still haven’t found the perfect place to rent, you can check lettings at Finlay Brewer’s website. There you will find great flats and houses up for lease. Renting a really nice place such as those handled by Finlay Brewer would make tenancy easy. After all, when you’re satisfied with the place where you live, taking care of it wouldn’t be such a chore.

Tips on How to Become a Successful Landlord

Starting and maintaining a property management company can be quite tough. There will be constant complaints from the tenants and endless list of repairs to be done. Being a landlord is difficult especially with the stress and the responsibilities that come with it, but there are ways on how you can juggle all these together smoothly. Learn three basic tips on how to be an effective landlord. 

 

Treat your business seriously.

Most landlords only see property management as a hobby rather than a business. Most have day jobs so they only look at this business as an extra means of generating income. But, once you start to perceive it as a real business, more amazing things can happen. Be involved and you’ll realize that this venture is promising.

 

Build a Good Relationship with your Tenants.

Avoid looking at tenants as dollar signs, but also avoid being too personal with them. Create a meaningful professional connection that fosters respect and dignity. Aside from marketing yourself as a great landlord, it will also make transactions easier for both of you with regards to payments, repairs, and even rent increase after a period of time.

Get Help.

If all the responsibilities are just too much for you to handle, you can simply find a reputable property manager to get things done for you. There is nothing wrong in asking for help if you need it. Also, hiring one gives you more time to concentrate on your day job or your family. A property manager also works to increase your return on investment and bring more profit. If your area is around Brook Green or Askew Road, then Finlay Brewer is the team that you need. We’ll work on making you one successful landlord.

The Perks of Living in Westfield, London

One of the most in demand areas in London is Westfield because of all the convenience, comfort, and entertainment it brings. It has impressive schools, superb transport links, and fantastic pubs and restaurants. The area charms a lot of people who are looking for a place to transfer because of the better quality of life the area offers. A quick rundown about the area will tell you why it is a very ideal place for families to live in.

Why you should live at Westfield

Easy and accessible transportation options. Get to your destination however you prefer to travel. You can travel by bus, train, tube, coach, or car without any hassle. New crossings are also available for pedestrians and cycle routes and parking are readily available.

Booming social scenes. Enjoy the wide array of restaurants, pubs, and clubs. The area is home to the famous Your Vue Cinema. It boasts of its title as one of the best shopping centers in the United Kingdom. Shop all you can from high end to high street fashion. You’ll surely love the long line of boutiques and exhibition centers.

Excellent nearby schools. London’s best schools are in the Westfield from nursery schools such as Busy Bee to St. Paul’s for girls for secondary to several international schools to specialty schools such as Leith’s School of Food and Wine.

Westfield, London also takes pride of its history and dedication to health and fitness. If you are already convinced to relocate or find a new place at Westfield, call our estate agent for inquiries. Build a home at Shepherds Bush or Hammersmith to free yourself from hassles and finally live a life of comfort, convenience, and fun.

Hunting for Ideal Flats to Rent in Hammersmith: Narrowing Your Choices

The real estate market in London has been doing well in recent months. As such, you may have contemplated whether you should purchase a home or if you should continue your search for Hammersmith flats to rent. If so, you may want to ask this important question, courtesy of The Telegraph: Will you be financially stretched if you buy? One of the downsides to owning a property is that all the maintenance costs fall to you, rather than the landlord. A leaky roof, burst pipes or electrical problems might become an unexpected financial headache, and you need to make sure you can afford it. If your answer to the question above is a resounding yes, it sounds like you should continue renting for a few more years. After all, buying a home before you’re ready to do so can end in unfavourable results.
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Taking Advantage of the Market through Shepherd’s Bush Estate Agents

A check of the neighbourhood works well in identifying properties you should aim for. The report noted that house prices in London did not change in July, 2014, but revealed a 32.3% rise in property supplies. An official interviewed for the article admitted that while demand is down around 3% over the past year, it only attested to fewer buyers contesting a single property due to the larger spread of potential places; you can use this to better position yourself at the offer stage. Buying a new house or putting it up on the selling block will be a tough decision to make. Reputable estate agents in Shepherds Bush like the Finlay Brewer team can guide you in marketing your place.
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Setting the Stage

Staging is not a requirement to sell your estate, but it is recommended. Before doing anything, first you need to identify your target market, and consider getting help from a professional.

Estate sales require a lot of paper work. One must make sure that the title, taxes, mortgages, billing, and all safety codes are taken care of before putting the property up for sale. Also identifying possible prospects is a must to set the selling price, and effectively land a buyer. This entails determining what type of neighborhood you are living in: is it young (single active people) or mature (families)? Determining if it’s hip or conservative will help you on how to stage your home.

An estate agent from Finlaybrewer.co.uk has the expertise on paper work, and the estate market. Hiring one is a no brainer, especially when you’re having trouble identifying your target market.

Staging

A handsome looking house sells fast. That means you have to set aside a budget for renovations and repairs.

Welcome buyers with a warm appeal not from your exteriors alone, but include the living room, kitchen, and the master bedroom. You can transform these spaces by making simple repairs like patching up holes on the wall, replacing wall paint/paper, fixing drawer doors just to name a few. Turning your bathroom into spa, does not require much spending. Simply replacing the old-stained mirror with a new one would work. You can take things further by replacing the towel bars, tissue holder, waste basket, and trays as an ensemble. As an option, add soft white towels, toiletries, soaps, and scented candles as a complement to that smooth finish.

Decor and furniture need to be carefully selected around the house. Paintings should complement the theme you’ve chosen for the room. Avoid being specific with art as not to turn off buyers from a room. Room size and furniture quantity should be proportional. This is important to ease prospects in, instead of repelling them from an overfilled room.

Here are just a few staging suggestions that make a quick sale. When going through the process, it’s you who make the ultimate decisions. Careful planning and proper execution is required for a successful staging. So, take your time and make sure to cover all bases for a successful property sale.

Getting the Perfect Flat Mate

Independence gives you a chance to mature, and become responsible. Living alone lets you discover something new about yourself daily, which is truly exciting. Your time is not shared with anyone, which allows you to do anything you want. Such liberties include: leaving the TV on 24/7, walking around the flat naked, party all you want, and many more. Freedom!

Alone in the Universe

However, the downside is you are alone. And the burden of paying for the rent, council taxes, electric, water, gas, insurance, phone line, repairs, and food to name a few fall on you. These factors make independence a nightmare.

You probably already guess what you need. Yes! You need a flat-mate.

How to Get One?

Posting about a spare room you have on Finlaybrewer.co.uk guarantees instant inquiries from people seeking lettings. Easy! And if you want a more personal approach, narrow down your target area by posting a few flyers on notice boards in your neighborhood.

Attract the Right Mate

It’s a good thing to be prim and proper when you’re living with someone. Holding back on a few quirks ensures that your new flat-mate won’t get alienated.

 Then again it you’re flat, you want to be as comfy as possible. Getting a perfect flat-mate is a must! Quite a conundrum, but the solution is simple. Just be honest.

On your letting post, write down your likes, and dislikes. Describe yourself truthfully (surely you’re not a monster).

When entertaining prospects, tell them all financial obligations you expect from them. Ask about food allergies/preference, habits, profession, and groups their part of. Then make sure to return the favor by allowing them to ask questions about you/flat as well.

These suggestions might just help you to find a flat-mate you can live with now. And perhaps with ample time make a friendship that last a lifetime.

Keys to Searching for the Right Flat

Flat searches require a lot of work. Identifying your needs versus your wants is a good way to start.

Space

Everybody wants to live in a thousand square foot apartment. That’s furnished with posh couches, tables, beds, cabinets, and many more. That would be the life, but reality bites. One must make a purchase in accordance to his needs. When you’re single you can make limited space cozy. However, if you have a family more square footage is required.

 

The Neighborhood

Each district has its own unique appeal that complicates your decision making on which flat to choose. Keep it simple by again reflecting on your needs. Being single (in a way) only requires you to live near your work, gym, and places to hang out. Families require more facilities to be nearby, such as the market, schools, church, park, bank, hospital, commute, and yes the list is endless. Considering these factors brings you closer to your flat.

Keep Asking

The letting agent is not required to tell you everything, but is bound to tell the truth. Clever questions get you the best deal. Questions like what’s the minimum price, what’s included, council tax, and the average on utility bills works to your advantage. So don’t hold back!

 

Negotiations

The right apartment for you also attracts others. Making an offer on the spot may not be effective. A smart maneuver is to compromise on negotiating on rent, removal of furniture (if flat is furnished), and pets if any. Doing these is difficult (not required), but puts you on top.

These factors require you to get the right letting agent, which agrees with compromise. Good thing Finlay Brewer has enough experience on property lettings, which gives them the ability to recognize a good deal when they see one.

Responsibilities in Letting Properties

The Landlord

Letting property comes with a lot of responsibility. An owner should make sure that all utilities such as water, electric, and gas follow safety standards.

Repairs for these are also shouldered by the landlord including the roof, chimney, walls guttering and drains. Security deposits do not go to a private bank account, but should be deposited onto a government approved deposit protection scheme. Rent ask should follow regulation, and collections are the responsibility of the landlord.

Privacy should also be respected. Owners are not entitled to come as they please. They have the responsibility to notify tenants for visits. Even with repairs, they have to make sure that tenants can live in the house without interference.

 

The Tenant

The law has strict estate guidelines for landlords to follow, which means tenants get to live in a comfy space.

This entails having the right to know who the owner is, and see the emergency performance certificate on the property.

 Excessively high charges are allowed to be challenged. And if there’s a tenancy agreement; it should comply with the law.

Posh privileges also bind the tenant with a few responsibilities. One must take good care of the property; compensate for repairs when the tenant causes damage. Paying the rent on time is very important to avoid disputes. And subletting the property depends on the contract or if the landlord would allow it; if you require it, going through the proper channels is a must.

Property Manager

People move in and out of residences all the time. And every time this happens tenants and landlords don’t really have a blast. Issues like rent, and security deposits can get complicated. Avoiding it is possible through the help of a third party. A property management firm such as Finlay Brewer serves as a guardian for both parties when it comes to collections, insurance, and many more. So, getting a third party involved is simply a no-brainer.

Some Tips on Staging Your Home for the Market

When it comes to presenting your home in the market, being well organized in your presentation is one of the traits that attract potential buyers. When the house is free of clutter, clean and displayed well, you are not only giving good impression of yourself: you’re also providing a vision for the buyers to move in to a loving home. The real estate agents of Finlay Brewer have a few suggestions on how to present your house and viewings.

Organized State of Mind

If you’re still living in the house that you already put on the market, only accept viewings that have been scheduled with your agent and the buyers. You’ll need time to put away toys, clothes, ornaments and other appliances that you have in your house, and sudden viewings rarely afford you that kind of time. Remove personal things lying around the house like your purse, computer, shoes and other appliances. Remember that you are selling your property, not your possessions. Draw attention to the bare features of your home.

Best Time of Day

For house visits or photo shoots, the best time to have clients and photographers over is on a clear sunny day. Natural lighting coming through windows and open spaces add a positive feel to a room and makes a house look cleaner. Check the weather forecasts to see what the predicted conditions for a particular date will be.

Make Minor Repairs

Present a house like it’s a newly built house. Patch up torn or dirty wallpaper; replace faulty bulbs; fix water pipes; and change cabinets, drawers and door hinges. Consider repainting some walls as well, especially if the colors of old rooms are too bold like purple, pink or orange. Remember to take those costs into account when you price your house for sale, though.

Primp the house that you put on the market and turn it into something that you would want to live in. Have a buyer’s perspective when scrutinizing every corner to make everything perfect. It could be hard for a first-time seller, but staging a house will be easier when you have the help of Finlay Brewer real estate agents.

Run a Spot Check on Your Potential Home

Buying a home is certainly a far cry from picking out a new pair of shoes or a piece of furniture. The decision can take years because apart from the financial aspect, it is also based on emotions. It involves a choice in lifestyle that will perhaps last for several years. It includes considerations on the breadwinners’ jobs, the children’s schools, your freedom to customise, and your commitment to the new neighbourhood. While these reasons are subjective, there are also general points to check before purchasing a new home.

Safety tops the list

A peaceful and secure neighbourhood is the most basic requirement in deciding where to live. Allot an hour to search local government sites, newspaper websites, and blogs to read about the pressing issues in the community and learn about the ongoing or future developments in the area. A more meticulous approach is to visit the local police station or also research on crime reports in the area. It doesn’t hurt to be this cautious, especially if you have little children. It is only right to prioritise the safety and security of your family.

Check for Local Amenities

After safety comes accessibility and convenience. Find out where the nearest facilities are. Make sure it is not that far from the most important facilities such as the hospital, market, fire and police stations, or schools. It is now easier to find out about this with Google Maps; with it, you can explore the entire neighbourhood and even look at a street view of it so you can have a glimpse of what’s nearby. The goal is to live in a community where it’s easier and more convenient.

Test Drive

Be familiar with the traffic pattern by testing your commute. Visit the home at different times of the day and take special consideration during the rush hour. It will give you an idea of the activities and the peacefulness of the area. Remember that transportation also has a big effect on how satisfied you will be with the property.

The toughest part would be talking and negotiating with the sellers. After several home inspections, you would want to have a thorough discussion about other details such as the renovations and home improvements done through the years. You will need a support system with a wide range of experience in the field. If you’re interested in a property at Shepherds Bush Road, consider giving agents like those from Finlay Brewer a call. Their real estate agents will assist you in finding a home that will suit all your needs. With such experts at your side, running a spot check definitely won’t be that tough.

Property Management: Learning the Basics

There’s more to being a landlord than just earning money off your properties. Apart from collecting rent, your responsibility as a landlord is to handle repair and maintenance of the property as well as advertising your property to potential tenants. Sound like hard work? It certainly is, but there is a better way to manage your property.

What is Property Management?

Propertymanagement is defined by Investopedia as the “administration of residential, commercial and/or industrial real estate”.  Property management usually involves managing of properties owned by another party or entity. Managed properties can either be a residential, commercial or industrial.

What does a Property Management company do?

Property management companies are responsible for all aspects of managing one’s property from advertising to tenant placement. They also handle rent collection, property maintenance and repairs, tenant complaints, and even evictions. The goal of the property managers is to increase the property value while generating income.

When should you hire a Property Manager?

Although there are several advantages of hiring property managers, it is an investment that should not be taken lightly. There are several factors you need to consider before you dive into it. One factor is the number of properties you manage/lease. Imagine managing more than properties on your own compared to having a group of property managers handling them. This means that you can earn from all of your properties all at the same time. Other factors to consider include your proximity to the properties, time availability and experience in managing properties.

How to choose a Property Management company

Hiring a property manager requires due diligence and research. You can check online for different companies available in your area. You can also ask your friends and family for any recommendations. Regardless of what your method for finding one, make sure that you choose a company with enough experience in the field and the right credentials. Be sure to check their website, if available, and contact them directly to know more about their services. 

Why You Should Hire a Property Manager

As a landlord, your goal is to increase the value of your property and maximize the profit on your investment. However, knowing the pitfalls and challenges of managing properties, this is easier said than done. Thankfully, you can rely on experts like property managers to help you out. Let’s list some ways these experts can help you.

Time-Saving

When you’re a landlord, you need to be on top of things and handle all aspects of managing your property from collecting rent payments to handling repairs and complaints, not to mention dealing with delinquent tenants. If you hire a property manager, you don’t need to worry about this. These experts will manage your property all throughout the tenancy, from rent collection to repairs.

Better Tenants

If you rely on community boards and classified ads as your means of getting tenants, chances are you’ll have your share of delinquent tenants. But with the help of experienced property managers, you can get better tenants. Property management companies invest in better marketing and advertising strategies to ensure that they target the right and the best tenants. In addition, they have the experience to screen possible tenants that meet the standards you’ve set out for your property.

Legal Matters

There’s more to being a landlord than owning a property and renting it out. There are laws you need to understand and comply with before you can start advertising your services and accept tenants. This is where a property management company can certainly help you. These experts have a complete understanding of the law and how it may affect your investment, including matters of rental fees and eviction.

Although some landlords manage their properties on their own, a little help from the experts will go a long way in ensuring that you get the most out of your investment. For reliable property management needs, trust only the experts- Finlay Brewer.